Week 2: Finding Peace in Nature
Thank you for following along with our personal journey to greater peace.
For today's challenge, we will embrace the change of seasons, and immerse ourselves in nature to feel the coming of winter. Today we step out in search of peaceful moments to fill our hearts with glad feelings.
Today we will discover peace in nature.
Most people instinctively head outside when their minds and souls need quieting.
It could be a response to the stress of the day.
It could be an impulse to hasten away from a difficult encounter.
Perhaps our urge to merge with nature when feeling out of sorts has something to do with our internal "fight or flight" programming. "Flight" sends us out for an escape.
In nature, we are free. The return to freedom as we merge with the natural world makes a soothing balm for vexed souls.
Think about what utter delight nature brings to the senses.
Recall…
… the solidness of planting your bare feet firmly on grass-covered ground
… the awe-inspiring view from a mountain top that can shift your entire perspective on life if you let it
… the soothing music of a babbling brook or rushing stream; the peaceful slosh of heavy wooden oars through lake water
… the freshness in the air after a summer rain as it tingles your nose and invigorates your mind
… the frenetic energy of tiny ants running in circles on your patio just before a storm
… a kiss of sunshine to warm your bare shoulders
… dried leaves and pine needles crunching and crackling beneath your boots
… a cascading waterfall pummeling your head and shoulders with a vigorous massage from nature - oh, what ecstasy!
… the glory and terror of a thunderstorm in full bore as you duck behind the front door to watch the show
There is a sense of homecoming, of finding our rightful place in the world again, when we connect with nature and engage all of our senses.
In nature, we are healed.
No matter what spot on the map you call home, or even if there's a nip in the air, you can always escape to the great outdoors when you're in need of peaceful moments.
Even in the most bustling city, there can be found a beautiful park to take a wintry walk amidst snow-topped trees and white blanketed ground.
Surely a bit of heaven lives in nature, and this calls to our souls.
JOURNAL IT:
Before you retire for the evening, take some time to ruminate on the beauty that surrounded you today as you explored the living world outside.
How did you feel before you embarked on your foray into nature?
Did you feel like it was just another "should" that you had to check off your to-do list? Or did you look forward an escape from your busy day?
How did you feel after you returned from your brief repose? Were you better able to focus on all of your holiday plans, once you had offered yourself that needed breakaway into nature?
What did you see, feel, taste, smell, touch as you explored the great outdoors?
Would you say that this experience brought you a sense of peace?
How long did the peaceful feeling last? Did it carry you through the rest of your day? Were you able to share that peacefulness with others whom you encountered?
For my paying supporters: I just added a nice journal to brighten up your thoughts for the next few weeks. I also strongly invite you to read the rest of this message to discover a new exercise and extra tips to help you integrate more peace into your holiday season.